And in this matter he does not confine himself to material things. The
same law applies, as he says, to "personality, beauty, artistic
achievement, knowledge, unselfish affection" and so on. So he really
rises into the domain of the moral and spiritual. Regarded in this
light, no incipient goodness acquired in this life will ever die. It
will be developed, and in order to its development, there must be some
means of development beyond the bourne of time.
* * * * *
We might suppose another case that will bring this principle clearly
into view. A house has taken fire. The fire has made great headway, and
the house is likely to be destroyed. The whole town has gathered
around--some out of curiosity, others from sympathy. The inmates are
supposed to be all rescued. But at length a child appears at one of the
upper windows. A cry of consternation and of sympathy goes up from the
whole throng. How can the child be delivered? The room is lighted by the
flames. Clearly the time for action is short. The longest available
ladder is placed against the house, but it is a little too short. The
whole crowd is in dismay. Must the child perish in the flames? Above the
crackling of the fire is heard its piteous cries. Will no one make the
attempt to save it? The multitude is painfully irresolute; the case
seems hopeless.